Thousands of Nova Scotia hunters are expected to take part in the application process for the 2015 annual moose licence lottery, opening today, April 1.
This year, 345 licences will be available in five moose-management zones within Victoria and Inverness counties — the only counties in the province where moose hunting is permitted.
“The Cape Breton moose hunt is a prized, unique and enjoyable experience that provides a boost to the local economy,” said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill. “It has become a tremendously popular tradition for hunters across the province and we look forward to another bountiful and safe hunt this year.”
The application process closes at midnight, Sunday, May 31. Last year, more than 10,000 applicants entered the draw.
Hunters are encouraged to carefully consider which hunt and zone they apply for. Terrain, access, available guiding services and the number of moose differ considerably from one moose-management zone to another. Even weather conditions can vary between the northern and southern zones.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of Nova Scotia, have a valid Nova Scotia Wildlife Resources Card and be at least 18 years old. Hunters who held a moose hunting licence in the last five years (2010-14) cannot apply this year.
The draw will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 18, at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre and will also be broadcast on the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters website at www.nsfah.ca .
Winners will also be notified by mail.
Hunters can apply online, by phone or mail:
— to apply online, visit the “Seasons, Bag Limits and Draws” section at novascotia.ca/natr/hunt
— to apply by phone, call 1-900-565-3337 from a landline and the application fee will automatically be added to your phone bill. The phone option does not work with cellphones and it cannot be billed to a different phone number.
— to submit a mail-in application, please contact your local Natural Resources office
It costs $8.04 (plus HST) to apply for a licence online or by phone.
Applications can also be paid by cheque and submitted by mail, using a form from the Natural Resources website at a cost of $11.70 (plus HST). Cheques should be made payable to HMC Communications Inc.
Source: Release
